On October 18, 2023, at the invitation of the German Department and the Virtual Teaching and Research Office of German Literature at Sichuan International Studies University, Prof. Dr. Ottmar Ette, Director of the Humboldt Center for Transdisciplinary Studies, delivered a lecture titled "Learning Symbiosis: Symbiosis in Contemporary German Literature" at the German Studies Center of Sichuan International Studies University. The lecture was hosted by Prof. Dr. Feng Yalin.

In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Ette elucidated that symbiosis, as a fundamental theme in literary creation, permeates the history of world literature. This theme extends beyond harmonious coexistence between individuals to encompass the intricate symbiotic relationships between humans and nature, animals, plants, and the geological and geographical cultural structures of the Earth. Within the contexts of globalization and migration, this theme has gained heightened prominence and significance. Through a detailed analysis of German literary works from the past two decades, Prof. Dr. Ette examined the representation of human symbiosis in literature through three analytical lenses: history, activity, and language.

From the perspective of "history", Prof. Dr. Ette underscored the profound interconnection between nature and culture, emphasizing the interplay between natural disasters and cultural catastrophes, and the imbalance between subject and object during the process of modernization. Under the keyword "activity", he explored the multi-perspective construction inherent in literary creation and how literary works evoke emotional resonance and foster deep reflection among readers. He also scrutinized the theme of symbiosis in exile and immigrant literature, focusing on the depiction of bodily displacement in these narratives. Regarding "language", Prof. Dr. Ette introduced the concept of "multilingual literature," highlighting the symbiosis and transformation of literature across various languages and cultures. He cited writers with immigrant backgrounds, such as Herta Müller and José Oliver, to demonstrate how a multilingual perspective enriches the interpretive depth of literary works.

Prof. Dr. Ette’s lecture provided the faculty and students of Sichuan International Studies University with a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the theme of symbiosis in German literature, invigorating their interest in further literary exploration and critical analysis. The Humboldt Center for Transdisciplinary Studies commended the successful organization of the lecture and anticipates more such enriching academic exchanges in the future.